Guatemala 1899 real

from the Mountain Groan Collection

The specimen shown is a scarcer variety of a transition year for the one real denomination. In 1899, five distinctly different types were issued, starting with this one, which was 3.25 g, .835 fine. It was followed, in swift sucession, by KM 172 (3.15 g, 0.750 fine, very rare), KM 173 (3.1g , 0.600 fine, common), KM 174 (3.15 g, 0.500 fine, common) and KM 174a (fineness stamped .500/.550 fine). Guatemala was the last country in Latin America to abandon the real, in 1912, a reflection of the extreme conservatism of the peasant society.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 3.25 g, .835 fine silver, .087 troy oz ASW (KM 171, shown here).

Catalog reference: KM 171.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Raymond, Wayte, The Coins of Central America, Silver and Copper, 1824-1940, New York: Wayte Raymond Inc., 1941.
• Robinson, Charles, The Coins of Central America, 1733-1965, San Benito, TX: 1965.
• Stickney, Brian, A Monetary History of Central America, New York: American Numismatic Society, 2017.

Link to:

• 1897 ½ real
• 1898 2 reales
• 1900 real, 0.500 fine silver
• 1901-H ¼ real
• Coins and currency dated 1899